North African Chicken and Rice

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 4 hours

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Jul. 28, 2023
I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
North African Chicken and Rice Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup golden raisins
  • 1/2 to 1 cup chopped pitted green olives
  • 1 medium lemon, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 4 cups hot cooked brown rice

Directions

  1. In a 3- or 4-qt. slow cooker, combine onion and oil. Place chicken on top of onion; sprinkle with next 7 ingredients. Top with raisins, olives, lemon and garlic. Add broth. Cook, covered, on low until chicken is tender, 4-5 hours. Serve with hot cooked rice.

Test Kitchen tips
  • This heavily spiced dish with a mixture of interesting ingredients is from North Africa and may be a bit unfamiliar. But we know you’ll fall in love with its delicious combination of flavors.
  • If olives aren't your favorite, don't leave them out entirely, but go with 1/2 cup. They add a nice underlying flavor as well as a little saltiness to the dish.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 serving: 386 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 556mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein.